The Uruguayan international topped the Football Writers' Association's Player of the Year award, a poll of 300-plus journalists, after bagging 31 goals for Liverpool this season.

According to the Mirror, Suarez, who was also named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year, was unable to pick up the award due to a pre-World Cup break, so Rodgers instead accepted the award, saying that everyone is aware of the struggles faced by the player in an 'extremely difficult' last season.

However, Rodgers stated that rehabilitation is always respected in England, adding that the after a difficult summer, the power of Liverpool convinced Suarez to stay on.

Rodgers also thanked former manager Kenny Dalglish for signing Suarez, who, he added, has challenged him every day of his (Rodgers') life by doing everything that is necessary at the top level of the game as a player.

Further hailing the player as a 'winner' with an 'unique determination', Rodgers mentioned that Suarez is 'relentless' and never looks for an excuse, adding that he knows that whenever he leaves, he will have become a better manager and a person due to Suarez. (ANI)